Due to various reasons, such as a lack of opportunity or a busy schedule, traditional college attendance is not an option for everyone. Fortunately, there are other options available for people who want to earn a bachelor’s degree. The best online computer forensics bachelor’s degrees are equivalent to an in-person degree and usually cost less.
This guide covers the best online computer forensics bachelor’s degrees, alongside high-paying computer forensics bachelor’s degree jobs. Read on to find out how an online bachelor’s degree in computer forensics could get you the hands-on experience you need to work among computer forensics professionals in the field of cyber security.
Where Can I Get a Computer Forensics Bachelor’s Degree Online?
Some of the best schools to get a computer forensics bachelor’s degree online are Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC), and the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA).
What Schools Offer the Best Computer Forensics Bachelor’s Degrees?
- Southern New Hampshire University (NHU)
- Drexel University
- Penn State World Campus
- University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC)
- University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA)
What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Computer Forensics Bachelor’s Degree?
The admission requirements for an online computer forensics bachelor’s degree include having obtained adequate scores on standardized tests, such as the American College Test (ACT) and the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT).
Additionally, you need to meet the minimum grade point average (GPA) for college admission, which differs from university to university. You must also submit all the necessary application forms, letters, and essays, and provide prior school transcripts to begin your online learning.
Online Computer Forensics Bachelor’s Degree Admission Requirements
- Completion of the General Educational Development (GED) test
- Prior school transcripts
- Standardized test scores
- Recommendation letters
- Personal essay or personal statement
How to Get a Computer Forensics Bachelor’s Degree Online
You can get an online computer forensics bachelor’s degree online by fulfilling all of the graduation requirements. Some of the requirements include meeting the minimum GPA, taking the required courses, and earning 120 credits.
Computer Forensics Degree Requirements
- 120 credits
- General education classes, such as algebra classes
- Lower-level courses, such as Introduction to Information Systems
- Higher-level courses, such as Network Defense and Security
- Possible capstone project or thesis
Best Online Computer Forensics Bachelor’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Champlain College | Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Forensics and Digital investigation | New England Commission of Higher Education |
| Drexel University | Bachelor of Science in Computing & Security Technology Degree | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Pennsylvania State University – World Campus | Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity Analytics and Operations |
Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Regent University | Bachelor of Science in Cyber and Digital Forensics | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
| Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) | Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security | New England Commission of Higher Education |
| Stevenson University | Bachelor’s Degree in Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| University of Arizona | Bachelor of Applied Science in Cyber Operations | Higher Learning Commission |
| University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) | Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Networks & Cybersecurity | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) | Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in Cyber Security | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
| Utica College | Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
Best Schools for Computer Forensics: Top Online Computer Forensics Bachelor’s Degree Programs
Some of the best schools for computer forensics are Champlain College, Drexel University, and Pennsylvania State University-World Campus, as shown in the list above. Take a look at the online computer forensics programs being offered by each of these affordable colleges.
What Is an Online Computer Forensics Bachelor’s Degree?
An online computer forensics bachelor’s degree is a computer forensics degree that you can get without needing to attend classes on campus. Online bachelor’s degrees can be obtained either through full-time study or part-time study, and some give you the option to have a combination of online and campus-based lessons.
Online computer forensics degree programs are well-suited to an online format since digital forensics professionals primarily work online to gather digital evidence and conduct cyber investigations. However, getting your online computer forensics degree is best achieved through accredited institutions, which ensure the legitimacy of your degree.
Online vs In-Person Computer Forensics Degrees
The ways in which online computer forensics programs differ from in-person programs are mostly due to the learning method. With online, in-person, and hybrid options available, choosing a learning method depends on what the right fit for you is.
All the options mentioned have their own benefits. Let’s take a look at the different lists of benefits for both online computer forensics degrees and in-person computer forensics degrees, respectively.
Top 5 Benefits of an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Forensics
- Less financial strain. The tuition fee for online courses is often significantly lower than that of in-person courses. This takes away some of the financial burden of pursuing higher education.
- Flexibility. The best online degree programs offer more schedule flexibility than traditional methods of learning, which makes them a more convenient way to obtain a degree.
- Fewer travel limitations. Not having to travel to a campus for classes opens up many more possibilities for where you can choose to study.
- More course options. You can choose from a wider variety of courses when you choose to study online.
- Learning comfortably. Some people achieve the best results in their studies when they can learn in a comfortable environment. With distance learning, you can learn from anywhere that suits you.
Top 5 Benefits of an In-Person Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Forensics
- Opportunities for socializing. What campuses offer that online learning cannot is the social aspect of attending college. The opportunity to make new friends and share new experiences with them is part of the college experience for most students.
- Easily obtainable information. The resources offered on campuses, such as libraries, make it easy to get any academic information you need when you need it.
- Practical experience. In-person learning offers the opportunity for hands-on, real-world experience in the digital forensics industry, with the possibility of an in-person digital forensics internship.
- Fewer distractions. The formal environment of a classroom often makes it easier to concentrate than the more relaxed learning environment you might have at home.
- Real-life interaction with professors. Being on campus allows you to seek immediate assistance with anything you might need from your professors, other staff members, and fellow students.
What Types of Online Bachelor’s Degree Can You Get in Computer Forensics?
The types of online bachelor’s degrees you can get in computer forensics include a Bachelor of Science in Digital Forensics, a Bachelor of Science in Computer Forensics, and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Networks and Cyber Security with a Digital Forensics Focus. There are many other types of bachelor’s degrees that offer a computer or digital forensics specialization.
Is It Better to Get an Associate Degree in Computer Forensics or a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Forensics?
The choice between getting an Associate Degree in Computer Forensics and a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Forensics should be based on which direction you want your career to take, how much time you can spend going to college, and what your financial standing is.
An Associate Degree in Computer Forensics only takes two years to complete, meaning you’ll have to spend less time in school. It is also a cheaper option for those reasons. A Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Forensics, on the other hand, takes twice as long to complete and costs more. It does, however, offer better career opportunities in the cyber forensics field.
How Much Does a Computer Forensics Bachelor’s Degree Cost?
On average, the total cost of obtaining an online computer forensics bachelor’s degree is $14,900 when attending a public university. This is the cost when you take into consideration all the factors that contribute to the fee, such as the cost of online four-year college attendance for a first-time, full-time undergraduate student.
On the other hand, on average, online students attending private, non-profit institutions off-campus, pay an overall fee of $42,200. Full-time students that attend private, for-profit, four-year institutions, pay $24,700 in tuition fees, on average.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Computer Forensics Bachelor’s Degree Online?
It takes four years to get a computer forensics bachelor’s degree online. The courses offered in this degree program include core courses, advanced courses, electives, and general education courses.
Institutions offer different courses, and the number of them that you’re expected to learn depends on each university program. Obtaining 120 credits is what it will take to graduate and achieve your bachelor’s program’s learning outcomes.
Are Online Computer Forensics Degrees Respected?
Yes, online computer forensics degrees are respected. Online study has become very popular worldwide. Because of that, at some point over the last few years, most schools had to adopt online teaching methods for a certain period of time. Online education has now become a completely normal way of learning.
Is Computer Forensics Hard to Learn Online?
No, computer forensics is not hard to learn online. As a prospective digital forensics specialist, you will spend most of your career on a computer, so studying online will give you the chance to gain the computer literacy required of computer forensics experts.
Computer Forensics Bootcamp vs Online Computer Forensics Bachelor’s Degree: Which Is Better?
The only way to determine which is better between an online computer forensics bachelor’s degree and a computer forensics bootcamp is to figure out what you want to achieve. Each has its benefits, and the better option depends on the objectives of the person deciding between the two.
Top 5 Benefits of an Online Computer Forensics Bachelor’s Degree
- Useful skills. You will have the opportunity to acquire a wide range of technical skills that are applicable across many fields.
- Job opportunities. Because this job is in high demand, you will have a lot of opportunities to find good work with a bachelor’s degree.
- Job security. The fast growth rate of information security analysts, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), means that cyber forensics graduates with a bachelor’s degree will have high job security.
- High salaries. The salaries of people working in computer forensics are high, with information security analysts earning a median salary of $103,590 per year, according to BLS.
- Less costly. Like other online degree programs, getting an online computer forensics degree will be a less costly option than opting for in-person class attendance.
Top 5 Benefits of a Computer Forensics Bootcamp
- Tech skills. A computer forensics bootcamp will help you gain the essential skills you need to enter the tech field.
- Career services. Bootcamps assist students to get ready for the job market, thus making them more likely to get hired.
- Necessary training. Computer forensics bootcamps offer security courses to students that equip them with the advanced coding languages knowledge they need for information security jobs.
- Shorter courses. A computer forensics bootcamp will take you between three to six months to complete, which is significantly less time than a four-year degree.
- Financial aid. Financial assistance and job guarantee payment programs are available to students through certain computer forensics bootcamps.
Why You Should Get a Computer Forensics Bachelor’s Degree Online
You should get a computer forensics degree online because it offers convenience, lower costs, and flexibility when compared to an in-person degree program. An online digital forensics degree program will teach you the investigative methods and detection techniques you need to investigate digital crimes.
What Courses Do You Take in an Online Bachelor’s Degree Program in Computer Forensics?
Some of the most common courses offered in an online bachelor’s degree program in computer forensics are cyber crime and criminal investigation, introduction to programming, digital forensics, information systems security, and malware forensics.
Cyber Crime and Criminal Investigation
This course teaches you how to assess and make use of investigative techniques used to solve cyber crimes. This includes knowing what traces of cyber criminal activity to look for, how to gather evidence, and how to present it in a useful manner. It is an essential course in most computer forensics bachelor’s degrees.
Introduction to Programming
In this course, students are introduced to the fundamentals of programming. You will learn about how algorithms are used and the computer logic which translates data into information. This process involves coding, testing, program debugging, and writing programs.
Digital Forensics
This course focuses on the recovery of evidence from media or digital devices that have the ability to store or transmit data. It’s aimed at teaching students the current techniques for capturing and examining digital evidence to support criminal or civil complaints in court.
Information Systems Security
Students taking this course will learn about information protection program design, networking and application security, the development of information security safeguards, and information security auditing.
Malware Forensics
This course teaches students about the various tools and methods that can be used for detecting and analyzing malware, which is a common component within the field of cyber crime studies.
Continuing Education Paths for Online Computer Forensics Bachelor’s Degree Graduates
If you are looking to pursue further studies upon completing your bachelor’s degree in computer forensics, you can get a postgraduate degree, such as a master’s degree in computer forensics. If you want to advance even further, you can earn a doctorate in computer forensics.
Related Online Computer Forensics Degrees
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What to Look For in the Best Computer Forensics Bachelor’s Degree Programs
The things to look for in the best computer forensics bachelor’s degree programs are curricular content, student services, accreditation, the reputation of the school, electives, and employment outcomes. We will analyze each of these five qualities below.
Curricular Content
The curricular content of your degree program should be in line with what you want to get out of the degree. If the courses will give you a high level of expertise in forensic analysis to help you get the job you want, then it’s the right curriculum for you.
Student Services
Getting support along your journey as you work to obtain your degree is essential. You want to be sure that, should you have any questions or issues arise, there will be assistance available to you.
Accreditation
Attending an accredited institution ensures that when your job search starts, you can confidently apply for work with the knowledge that you went to a legitimate school that’s recognized among employers.
Electives
Just like the core courses you need to take to earn your credits, it’s important that the electives available to you are of interest to you and your career goals. Having good elective options will ensure that you maintain an interest in your studies and you’re not stuck doing courses you don’t enjoy.
Employment Outcomes
One of the major reasons people choose to obtain degrees is to have good employment options available to them. Choosing a field of study with a high employment outcome is a vital step in increasing your chances of following a rewarding career path.
What Is the Most Affordable Online Computer Forensics Bachelor’s Degree?
The most affordable online computer forensics degree is offered by UMGC, which costs a total of $37,440 for in-state residents. Tuition rates are $312 per credit, and the required number of credits to graduate is 120.
Can I Get a Computer Forensics Bachelor’s Degree Online for Free?
No, you cannot get a computer forensics bachelor’s degree online for free. If you are not in a position to afford it, there are federal student aid options available to assist you, alongside various scholarships. If you would like a free introduction to computer forensics, you can take free massive open online courses (MOOCs), such as this free computer forensics course on Udemy.
Salary and Job Outlook for Online Computer Forensics Bachelor’s Degree Graduates
Employment rates for those working in computer forensics are on the incline, as it is a job that is in high demand. Getting a job in this field provides you with good job opportunities and high job security.
How Hard Is It to Get a Job With a Computer Forensics Bachelor’s Degree?
It is not hard to get a job with a computer forensics bachelor’s degree, thanks to the growing need for people working in computer forensics. Possessing skills in computer forensics and cyber security is linked to earning an above-average salary in the US, according to PayScale, with forensic computer analysts earning an annual median wage of $74,798.
What’s the Average Online Computer Forensics Bachelor’s Degree Salary?
The average salary for someone with a computer forensics bachelor’s degree is around $68,000
per year, according to PayScale, so it is regarded as one of the higher-paying jobs in the country. This is exciting news for anyone pursuing a career in the field.
What Jobs Can You Get With an Online Computer Forensics Bachelor’s Degree?
The jobs you can do with an online computer forensic bachelor’s degree are digital forensic specialist, cyber risk manager, and computer systems analyst, to name a few. You can also become a forensic computer analyst.
Computer Forensics Degree Jobs
- Digital forensic specialist
- Cyber risk manager
- Computer systems analyst
- Intelligence investigator
- Information security analyst
Potential Careers With an Online Computer Forensics Degree
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How Much Money Can You Make With an Online Computer Forensics Bachelor’s Degree?
You can make between $50,000 and $123,000 per year with a computer forensics bachelor’s degree. The average salary is determined by the experience you have and how long you have been working in the field getting real-life experience on the job.
There are various jobs to choose from, such as cyber security analyst, forensic computer analyst, information security analyst, forensic accountant, and information technology auditor. We will examine five of these jobs in more detail below.
Highest-Paying Online Computer Forensics Bachelor’s Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| Computer Forensics Bachelor’s Degree Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Cyber Security Analyst | $77,254 per year |
| Forensic Computer Analyst | $74,798 per year |
| Information Security Analyst | $73,450 per year |
| Forensic Accountant | $71,970 per year |
| Information Technology Auditor | $70,582 per year |
Best Jobs for Online Computer Forensics Bachelor’s Degree Grads
The best online computer forensics bachelor’s degree jobs, such as cyber security analyst and forensic accountant, have the highest earning potential and require skills that are high in demand. Choosing one of the above-listed jobs once you have completed your undergraduate degree will ensure that your career is off to a promising start.
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Is an Online Computer Forensics Bachelor’s Degree Worth It?
Yes, an online computer forensics bachelor’s degree is worth it. As the field becomes more popular, new job opportunities are being created and made available to fresh graduates. What this means for your future is that getting a bachelor’s degree in computer forensics will pay off well.
An online computer forensics degree will offer you job security and a comfortable life, and the flexibility of the online degree program will offer you convenience and lower costs.
Additional Reading About Computer Forensics
Online Computer Forensics Bachelor’s Degree FAQ
Yes, computer forensics is the same as digital forensics and the terms are often used interchangeably.
Yes, a career in computer forensics is worth pursuing due to the growth in the field and the increase in job opportunities for those working within it.
Yes, good jobs are available for people with online bachelor’s degrees. The most important thing is that the school issuing the degree is accredited and provides good quality lessons and information.
There are many opportunities available to people interested in working in computer forensics, such as jobs in cyber security, computer forensics, and information technology auditing. It depends on what someone’s interests are, as certain jobs are more suited to certain goals.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
